OVERVIEW
Epididymitis-orchitis is marked by inflammation and/or infection of the epididymis or testicle.
Symptoms
You may experience the following symptoms:
- Testicle/scrotal swelling
- Pain or discomfort
- Tenderness to touch
- Redness of the scrotal skin
- Burning with urination
- Urinary frequency or urgency
If you experience severe pain, pain associated with nausea/vomiting, fevers/chills, or an abnormal lie of the testicle you should go to the emergency room immediately.
Causes
Epididymitis-orchitis may be associated with urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted diseases, trauma, inflammation, enlarged prostate or urethral scar tissue.
Diagnosis/Evaluation
- What to know before your visit:
- During your visit, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history, surgical history, medications, and will perform an exam with focused attention to the groin and genitalia. Your doctor may also ask you information regarding your recent sexual history.
- Tests that may be performed during or after your visit:
- Urinalysis: to evaluate for any blood in the urine or infection
- Urine culture
- Post-void residual: the physician will often ask you to void and then check to make sure you are emptying your bladder
- Scrotal ultrasound: an imaging study looking at the testicle, epididymis, hydrocele sac, and blood flow to and from the testicle
Treatment
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
- Anti-inflammatories: Ibuprofen is typically utilized to reduce inflammation. For mild cases, this may be the only treatment
- Scrotal support: Wearing more supportive underwear will help in decreasing scrotal swelling
- Antibiotics: If there is concern for urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease, antibiotics will often be used
In patients with fevers or worsening symptoms on antibiotics, hospitalization and IV antibiotics may be necessary. Swelling may take four to six weeks to normalize.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
In the most severe cases or those associated with large abscesses, surgical exploration and drainage may be necessary. It is rare that this is needed.
Schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology physician near you today!